Family Retreat (December 5-7)

The weather was perfect for a parade!! But I'm getting ahead of myself.  We try to make the December R&R or Retreat a family affair.  Part of the reason is the lighted parade in Fredericksburg is fun and beautiful and main street after dark looks like a Dickens Village.  Last year it was literally freezing.  Not so this year.  It was cool but almost no wind so it was great being outside.  Zion Lutheran Church hosted the families  on Friday night with a delicious meal prior to the parade.  In addition, they set up chairs on the street so the families would have a birds eye view of the parade.

Lisa telling Christmas Story

Saturday morning the couples met with Chaplain Ginsburg for some counseling.  While parents were "in class" the children were taken to the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church (FUMC) where Lisa Davis told them the story of Christ's birth.

Donna demonstrating making a tree

Then Donna Lafferty and Louise Murphy, local artists, taught the children how to paint with water color and make Christmas cards for their parents. After completing the cards, Joel Griffin, FUMC Youth Director, and some of the youth served snacks and led games that ran off some of that kid energy.

Goofy Photo

Families were reunited for lunch at West End Pizza and a free afternoon to explore the town, ice skate, nap, etc.




Saturday evening everyone gathered at the First Baptist Church for "Italian Night" dinner and Sunshine the Clown.  Kids young & old loved her.  The way she involves the children in her magic tricks is great!! Prior to dinner the children presented their works of art to their parents.  It was a nice surprise for mom and dad.

Sunshine's Arrival

Admiring Their Child's Art Work

Admiring Their Childrens Art Work 

The success of this retreat and all of the events organized by the Wounded Warriors at Nebo is dependent on the generosity of the Fredericksburg community.  It takes many volunteers and donations to bring everything together. Many Thank You's go to the following food providers, kitchen help, volunteers, merchants who discounted rates, other donors.  
Zion Lutheran Church                              Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
First Baptist Church                                 Donna Lafferty
Louise Murphy                                         Joel Griffin
Will Cooke                                               Esten Cooke
Sadie Eidson                                            Sloan Ball
Clear River Pecan Company                    In on Baron's Creek
West End Pizza

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Veterans Healing Through Connection - FREE to the Military

Several months ago the Caron Foundation reached out to us asking if we would be interested in partnering with them.  They have launched a couples counseling program. It's an intense three days of group therapy.  We agreed to look into the possibility and let them know.

Caron is based in Pennsylvania and have been doing drug and alcohol rehabilitation for 60 years. They have a really good reputation. Check out their website (www.caron.org).  The literature they left us sounded like their program would be exactly what we have been wanting.  Something to help the wounded warriors on a deeper level.  We asked a local Christian therapist to look into it and give us her opinion.  She also attended the December retreat in Leaky as an observer.  In addition, we had two couples (both retired military) attend incognito to evaluate the counseling from a recipients prospective.  They all came back with very positive reports.  Both couples agreed that it was intense but very effective.  They recommended we go forward.  The therapist said there were many "AHA Moments" for the participants.  She also said it looked like what we have been wanting to do.

So, we will be working out details with Caron regarding what "partnering" looks like.  In the mean time they have two weekends already scheduled.  If you are interested contact Amy Durham at (484)345-2619/Amy.Durham@Caron.org or visit www.BreakthroughAtCaron.org/Veterans

Cards R Fun

Last Tuesday Lisa brought two Christmas cards for the class to make.  The first one required sponging and embossing (we got to play with the heat gun).  The really fun thing about this card is that everyone could do their own thing with color and shape of hills.  One of the "first timers" was Ben from Fort Hood.  He wandered into the craft room and after some encouragement joined us. Jackie helped him get started and Paula, who joins us regularly, helped with tips along the way.  It's official - men use darker, bolder colors than women.

Ben, Jackie, Paula

Paul

The second card went together very quickly.  Lisa had all the parts pre-cut so it was basically assemble, stamp and glue. That was a good thing since the first one took most of the class time.

Alice, Ben Jackie, Paula Lisa, Angelia

All in all we had a good time (as usual) and Ben assured us he would be back in January!

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R&R in Fredericksburg

This past weekend 11 wounded warriors and their families/caregiver came to Fredericksburg for a much needed break from the "daily grind".  With the chaplain's family there were a total of 38 guests. The weekend started with dinner and bingo Friday night at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church.

An amazing thing happened after dinner-the teenagers volunteered to do the dishes!! After bingo everyone left for their weekend housing.  There were no other planned activities so this was truly a time to really relax. Entrance fee for the Antique Show and Fritztown Cinema were waived for our Guests.

Some of the feedback includes:

• "We slept in, had a late breakfast and found some treasures at the Antique Show."
• "... It was so peaceful. No time restrictions, a warm room, no beds to make-it was delightful...We drove the farm roads. ..."
• "It was a blessing to be at the R&R!"
• "It's the first time in 2 years we have been able to get away.  Didn't expect anything like this."

This wouldn't happen without our volunteers and donations.  Many Thank You's go to the following people who supported this event as food providers, kitchen help, lodging and other donations:

John & Sandy Doudna             Allen & Pat Spousta

Michelle Segner                       Gwen Kortzic

Linda Treibs                             Linda Graham

Kay Telle                                 Peggy Benson

Betty Phillips                           Donna Cannon

Liz Bispo                                 Stacy & Steven York

Larissa Halford                       Vedena Brown

Jan Canfield                            Fritztown Movie Theater

Texas Hill Country Antique Show

Country Inn Cottages

Sunday House Inn & Suites

South Church                          Murphy’s Guest House

White Guest House                 Pylate B&B

Benson B&B                           McCurdy Cabin

Curtis Woodard                       CC Gibbons
Clear River Pecan Company

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3rd Quarter 2014 Newsletter Available

Just a reminder that you can download the current newsletter.  Look for "Newlsletter" in the column to the right.  Who knows, you might see your picture in it. Enjoy!!

Enjoying the Outdoors

The month of October in Fredericksburg is full of “fests” and our October Wounded Warrior R&R was no exception.

The warriors and their families arrived on Friday evening to a dinner hosted by Faith Baptist Church.

On Saturday they experienced the Best Fest compliments of the Knights of Columbus.  Everyone enjoyed the different sausages with sides dishes and the music.  Children on the other hand enjoyed the face and pumpkin painting and games.














Mike and Debbi McCurdy hosted a chuck wagon meal on Saturday evening with music provided by Soul Patch.  The warriors were welcomed to the event by a group of local friends the McCurdy's had invited. There was lots of conversation as the two groups got acquainted.

It was such a scenic view from the McCurdy ranch to see the hills in the distance, the deer grazing and the sun set.  Of course, God provided perfect weather.  Just what the soldiers needed—a quiet, relaxing, food filled evening.  I am sure they returned to their place of lodging ready for a good night's sleep.

 On Sunday they enjoyed exploring the local shops on their own before returning to San Antonio.

None of this would have happened but for the Generosity of the community.  We appreciate those who hosted the families in their B&B’s, Faith Baptist Church for the delicious Friday night dinner, the Knights of Columbus for once again waiving Best Fest entry fees, the McCurdy's who graciously hosted the chuck wagon dinner, Soul Patch for sharing their talent, and all the local residence who helped make the warriors feel welcome.  We are looking forward to our November R&R (11/14-11/16).

Like us on facebook for more photos from the weekend.  Blessings

Down The Lazy River

On October 2 several Wounded Warriors traveled from Fort San Houston to San Marcos for a day of fun.  Ben Kvanli, owner of Olympic Out Door Center, provided kayaks and fees for the float were waived.  Brad Bowen from Adaptive Sports Military Program accompanied the warriors and was right there to offer assistance when needed.  It was a beautiful day to be on the water!!

Two members of Eikon Church floated and visited with the warriors making them feel welcome.  The church also provided lunch for everyone.

This is the first event WWAN has hosted in San Marcos and hopefully the first of many.

Many thanks to Eikon Church for "feeding the troops" and being a welcoming presence.

Thank you Ben for providing all the equipment for the float, waiving fees, etc.

And a special thanks to Brad who is always willing to assist us whether it's finding warriors who would benefit and enjoy an outing, recruiting other coaches/helpers and helping at the event. Your awesome!!

Summer's Over

Susan with grandchildren

Vacation was wonderful but now it's over.  It was great being able to travel and get in quality Grandma Time.  But in the same respect it's good to get back to serving those have given so much for us so we can celebrate family and travel freely through this beautiful country.

A day out at Lazy U Ranch, Seguin, on August 22 was the beginning of a new exciting year of events designed around criteria addressing needs identified through discussions with the chaplain, company commanders, enlisted personnel and recently retired veterans.  While the wounded, injured & ill have been and will continue to be our primary focus we will be including more staff.  For example, the September 5th event was for chaplains who can suffer from compassion fatigue in addition to the challenges of everyday life.

Company B Outing 8/22/14

It's going to be interesting to see where GOD leads us.  Wondering what I mean?  Well several things are happening.  First, the Caron Foundation has approached us about helping them with couples' retreats in this area.  Caron is well established in Pennsylvania as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.   They have developed a new couples counseling program open to veterans (both active and retired) focusing on challenges unique to them.  We have at least two couples scheduled to attend the first Texas retreat this December. Their evaluation and feedback along with that of a local counselor will help in our decision making.  Second, when the ministry first began we hoped for 6 - 8 wounded warriors at an event.  Now, depending on housing and funds, we have to limit the numbers to 30. The ministry is also looking at possibly increasing the number of day events hosted as that would increase the number of people we can give a break and expose to the love of GOD.  Several medically retired soldiers who experienced R&Rs and other ministry activities while in treatment have encouraged us to keep in contact with participants who've retired.  They may be retired but they still need love and stress re-leasers.

The support and generosity of this community is what enables Wounded Warriors at Nebo to continue the ministry. Each time there is an event it is a reflection of you all.  Thank you seems inadequate but it will have to suffice.  THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!!!

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Archery Tournament

 Dustin Jones recruited seven soldiers and his son Justin  to come to Fredericksburg on Saturday September 20th for an archery tournament sponsored by the Fredericksburg Archery Club. The group enjoyed an evening BBQ and spent the night at Karl and Mary Ranslaben's " White House."

 Several went for a night drive after dinner and were treated to seeing some good wildlife. After a big breakfast Sunday morning, they went to the Kowert Ranch to participate in a 3D archery tourney- for some their first competition. Dustin said it was a "great bunch of people" and a "very laid back and fun tournament." He said it was perfect for  the newbies. David Feller, archery club president, waived the entry fee and the club also treated the group to lunch afterwards. We had given them money for lunch, so Dustin decided to donate that money back to the club in the form or raffle tickets. Several of the soldiers won prizes- that is a win-win-win scenario!!!!  

Dustin has a giving spirit. He works with wounded warriors helping them adjust to their new normal and reintegration. The warriors respond to him because he's one of them and he won't take no for an answer. Keep up the good work Dustin!!

Whimsical Design

 Last Tuesday Lisa was the card designer/teacher at WFSC.  Her cards are so whimsical and this was no exception.  We had a choice of bright pink or turquoise for the base. Then everyone selected their own colors for the flowers.  There was no punch for flowers so they were all hand cut.

Lisa explaining next step

Youngest Student

Getting Personal Instrructions

Trying to finish cards so can have lunch

Explaining Wounded Warriors at Nebo activities

Finally Finished!

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Chaplain's Get a Break

When I hear "Chaplain" I think of them ministering to the sick, wounded, troubled, etc.  Chaplain Ginsburg explained that a constant diet of this causes Compassion Fatigue.  In other words they need a break!  That's just what they got.

A day of refreshing, relaxing and renewal was enjoyed by the Chaplains of BAMC.

The Wounded Warriors at Nebo hosted the chaplains at Craig Russell's Lazy U Ranch in Seguin on Friday, September 5.  There were 31 chaplains and family members present.

The quiet outdoors nestled near Lake Placid not only enabled some to sit quietly by the water and catch up on reading scripture but also enabled some to kayak and swim on that lazy stream of water.  Others enjoyed archery, washers, ball toss, chess, scrabble and just plain visiting.

The Seguin First Baptist Church provided a delicious lunch of brisket with all the trimmings  Oh and don't forget those wonderful deserts!

We look forward to our next event at Lazy U Ranch.

Like us on Facebook and see all the pictures of the Chaplain's Day Out.

Back from Japan

Dottie, Margie, Jackie, Susan

This past Tuesday was especially exciting.  The first student to our first card making class at WFSC stopped by to see us.  Margie Youngblood was on her way to her new assignment in Kentucky.  She was deployed to Japan December, 2012 and just recently reassigned. She became not only a friend but a guide through the "system".  It's really good to have her back in the states.

Company B's Day Out

The company I worked for (many years ago) would issue challenges to see which department could operate for a specified time with the least number of accidents or similar things specific to our department and/or job.  In addition to recognition, the winner received a prize.  Likewise, the WTB (Warrior Transition Battalion) challenges the companies (A, B & C) periodically.  Challenges involve several items relative to their jobs with specific criteria for each.  The company excelling in meeting the criteria are rewarded. Company B (Bravo) was the winner earlier this year.  They requested a day out at Lazy U Ranch. Everything finally came together on Friday, August 22.

Breakfast snacks

Sharon, Susan & I arrived at 8 a.m. to find some wounded warriors, case workers and staff already there setting up tables and ice chests full of water.  They helped us unload the donuts and other breakfast snacks.

More people arriving

All the time more people were arriving.  We ended up with approximately 60 including spouses and children.







There was fishing, bean bag toss, kayaking, chess, scrabble, dominoes and other board games.  Or one could just relax, watch the water or watch the grass grow. Lt. Johansen encouraged all the warriors to participate in several activities.  He said to put a check mark beside their name on the sign in sheet every time they completed an activity.  At the end of the day everyone with 5 check marks would be put in a drawing for a prize to be announced at the time of the drawing. (One night's lodging in Fredericksburg.)

As it got closer to noon and became obvious not everyone was able to attend due to appointments, some called spouses to come join the outing.  Davila's Barbeque catered lunch for us.  They served promptly at noon.  It was a nice surprise to have green beans and parsley potatoes rather than slaw and beans.  Very good food and friendly people.

We loaded up the car and left for home a little before two.  The "party" was still going strong.



Special Thanks to:
 Craig Russell who so generously shares the ranch with veterans both active and retired.
 Ben Kvanli, Olympic Outdoor Center in San Markos, who provided kayaks for the event.

Go To Facebook.com/ww.nebo for lots more photos.